Stanton Webster

Charles Stanton Webster III made his way to Knoxville, and there he has found his passions in everything he does, from his family and nature to cooking and spirits. Passion is indeed a word that can be used to describe Stanton Webster.

Stanton was born in Smith County, Tennessee, near the city of Carthage. He found his way to Knoxville not for the spirits industry, but by way of science and the University of Tennessee.

While at UT, Stanton earned a degree in animal sciences, which was an interest from back home, growing up on a rural beef cattle and tobacco farm. UT’s program in animal sciences was what may have brought him to the city, but Stanton found another passion while in college when he got a job as a bartender, which then led him to the kitchen. The lessons he discovered there while falling in love with serving cocktails and the food he prepared eventually led him back to science in what was a big circle of passion.

The science of flavors, taste, and experimenting with profiles that most might not dare to explore; the science was always involved in Stanton’s search for the new.

He got his start in distilling in 2014 when Knox Whiskey Works offered Stanton the opportunity to be a part of a startup distillery. The team there began with the research and science of grains, which is, of course, where all whiskey begins. Then Stanton got into the science of fermentation and distilling, educating himself from many different sources.

He learned a lot from his time at KWW, but eventually desired to do something a bit different than what KWW’s vision was. So, he and his friend, named Ron Grazioso, decided it was time to try their own thing.

That passion for discovery and pursuit of the new, love of the city of Knoxville, and desire to be different has made Post Modern what it has become today. Stanton and Master Distiller Ron “Brains of the Operation” Grazioso tried many different combinations. They wanted to “Create flavors and spirits that represented Knoxville and not source, but truly be an original, much like Knoxville itself.”

They continue trying new things, and the passion for science has brought them some amazing whiskies, gins, and other spirits, which they blend onsite to make some very interesting and tasty cocktails. These cocktails often carry whimsical names such as Corpse Reviver no 2, the Fritter, Edna Mode, Aviatrix, and Unrequited Love, have made Post Modern a must-visit in the downtown area of Knoxville.

As the business continues to grow, one thing is certain at Post Modern Spirits: Ron and Stanton will continue learning the science, continue the pursuit of flavors, and always follow their passions in the spirits industry. As for consumers, we look forward to what’s next from Post Modern!

Contributed by M.J. Jacobs, Knoxville, Tennessee